Oversight committee to watch school tax money
The concern arose during the failed attempt in 2012 to pass a half-cent sales tax for Brevard Public Schools: How would taxpayers know if the money was spent as wisely?
Similar concerns have been voiced again with the half-cent tax on the ballot for next month's election.
"It came as a total surprise to me, the amount of distrust this community has with the district and the school board," said Adrian Laffitte, chair of Brevard Save Our Students political committee, which is pushing for the tax. "They don't trust that they're going to do the right thing with the money."
This time around, those concerns are being heeded — with the creation of an independent oversight committee charged with watching the tax money.
And leaders with BSOS, which is helping organize the committee, believe it will make the difference for voters on the fence.
"It's a lesson learned, certainly," said Drew Thompson, a BSOS board member, "The lesson learned was that, with an oversight committee, the public will be assured and there won't be any doubts at the ballot."
The half-cent sales tax would raise more than $32 million a year for school repairs, technology and security. District leaders have said that without the tax, budget cuts would be necessary, including potentially closing schools.
"Nobody doubts that the schools have real serious issues and need the dollars," Thompson said. "The question is: Will the money will be spent the right way?"
The answer proved to be a legal one: Writing the independent oversight committee into the ballot language, which makes it part of the law — and illegal for district leaders to disregard it.
"It protects the Brevard taxpayer," Thompson said. "It protects the Brevard voter."
About the committee
The Independent Citizens Oversight Committee, or ICOC, will meet quarterly to monitor expenses and determine if the district is spending the tax money as it said it would, based on a prioritized list of projects developed by the district.
If spending changes are made — say a pipe bursts at a school, damaging classrooms — the committee will monitor changes. If something is amiss, they can bring concerns to the Brevard School Board, and will have the ability to call for an audit.
A key part of the committee is its independence — and BSOS leader took steps assure it stays that way.
ICOC members will be selected by a seven-member committee created for this purpose, with representation from Brevard County's four Chambers of Commerce,as well as three parents representing the north, central and south parts of the county.
Applications for the oversight committee are open to the public. Leaders are looking for those with experience in construction, law, information technology, security, project planning and finances. Individuals with other backgrounds are encouraged to apply as well.
But Laffitte warned it's a tough job: It may be time consuming, there's no pay and individuals will be in the public spot light.
"It's been a hot topic in the campaign," he said, "You're probably not going to be able to please everybody."
Individuals who are employed by the district or who contract with it are being told not to apply, and will not be chosen.
"We wanted to ensure the purity of the committee" Laffitte said. "We want someone who ... has no ties to the school system."
Committee members will serve staggered, multi-year terms, and be responsible for replacing their members — instead of allowing the school board to appoint members — keeping the committee independent.
Once formed, the committee will become an independent entity.
"They can adjust the charter," Laffitte said of the committee. "But they can't give themselves more power."
Ryan is at (321) 242-3664 or mryan@floridatoday.com. Follow her on Twitter @Mackenzie_Ryan or at facebook.com/floridatodayeducation.
Tax oversight committee
Applications for the Independent Citizens Oversight Committee are open to the public. The selection committee is seeking individuals with knowledge in construction, legal, information technology, security, project planning and finances, among other areas.
Brevard Public School employees or contractors with the school district will not be selected because of conflicts of interest.
The ICOC's charter and position descriptions are available at Brevard Save Our Students website, http://bsos14.org. Applications are not yet available but will be posted soon at the Titusville Chamber of Commerce, and possibly other websites, which are yet to be announced.
Source: Brevard Save Our Students
Economic effect: Sales tax
The proposed tax by Brevard Public Schools would raise the sales tax from 6 percent to 6.5 percent. It will go to the voters in November.
It would collect $32 million a year for six years, almost $200 million for school facility projects, and security and technology upgrades.
On a $60 pair of shoes, the school portion of the tax would be 30 cents. On a $500 television, $2.50. The tax is only levied on the first $5,000 of a purchase.
Source: Brevard Public Schools
By the numbers: Tax projects
A proposed half-cent sales tax would raise an estimated $198 million over six years for Brevard Public Schools. Here's how district leaders would spend it:
$6 million: school security upgrades
$25 million: educational technology infrastructure
$10 million: "repair at failure" facility projects
$157 million: planned facility projects
Source: Brevard Public Schools
Sales tax: Ballot language
Title: One-half cent sales surtax for critical school facilities renewal, school security and technology upgrades.
Language: Would you support the School Board levying a one-half cent surtax on sales in Brevard County, beginning 1/1/15, for a period of six years, to be used exclusively for critical school facility renewal projects, school security and technology upgrades? A needs-based prioritized list of projects has been published and expenditures will be monitored by an independent citizen oversight committee.
Source: Brevard Public Schools